Whole Foods has the nerve to sell these sexy stalks of smoked garlic. I stared longingly at them right before Thanksgiving. However, I pinched myself into focusing on my shopping list for the big meal and moved on.
These fragrant stalks turned up again during a recent visit. Definitely, this was a sign. Wasn’t it? So I had no choice. I broke down and threw one in my shopping basket. The real reason? I have been pondering a new scone recipe studded with red peppers. This smoky garlic was the perfect match for these Pepper Smoked Garlic Scones.
I debated roasting the garlic before using it in the recipe. However, I was curious to see how it would work just by adding it to the batter in its raw form. Curiosity won out. It works perfectly in these scones. But I definitely will try the roasted version next time.
For the peppers, I used ones that had medium heat. However, if you would like to turn up the spiciness, by all means, use the hottest ones you can stand. The next time I make these Pepper Smoked Garlic Scones, I will use a hotter variety.
So, don’t have smoked garlic?
If you can’t find smoked garlic, add some liquid smoke to the recipe. Alternatively, if you are one of those people who like to use their grill in the winter, smoke the peppers or regular garlic yourself.
So smoky and spicy are now my two new favorite ways to start the new year. Make this recipe and they might just be yours.
Red Pepper Smoked Garlic Scones
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 red hot peppers, seeded, stem removed, and chopped. I used red Fresno peppers
- 3 large smoked garlic cloves chopped
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425 F.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Whisk together all the dry ingredients.
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Cut the butter into small pieces and mix with the dry ingredients. Use your hands to rub it in until the dough takes on a coarse texture.
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Add the egg and heavy cream and knead everything into a smooth dough.
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Knead the chopped pepper and smoked garlic into the dough.
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Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it out into a flat shape.
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Use a cutter to form 8 pieces or alternately, use your hands to form round shapes.
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Transfer the shapes to the baking sheet. Place in oven and bake for 12 -15 minutes or until the scones turn slightly golden.
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Remove from the oven and transfer the scones to a wire baking rack. Let cool before serving.